Abstract: A sandal strap reinforcement apparatus which is incorporated into a sandal having a multi-hardness midsole to reinforce the opening around the straps. The apparatus may be made of a molded material, fabric, tape, an o-ring, cord, or the same material as the harder layer. The apparatus is molded into the midsole and serves to protect the hole or slot from damage from a strap inserted through the hole or slot.

Abstract: The invention includes a shoe system including a sole having attached fasteners and interchangeable uppers having complementary fasteners. In other embodiments, the invention includes particular uppers that may be used in such a shoe system.

Abstract: A midsole for an article of footwear including a three dimensional mesh including interconnected unit cells and methods of making the same. The interconnected unit cells each include a plurality of struts defining a three dimensional shape. The interconnected unit cells are connected at nodes having a valence number defined by the number of struts connected at that node. The valence number of the nodes may vary to provide customized characteristics to zones or portions of the midsole. The plurality of interconnected unit cells may be organized in a warped cubic lattice structure. The warped cubic lattice structure and the size/shape of interconnected unit cells may vary to provide customized characteristics to zones or portions of the midsole. The three dimensional mesh may be customized based on a biometric data profile for an individual, or group of individuals. The midsole may be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a sole constructed for receiving a foot having a toe section and an ankle section with at least two loops fixedly attached to the toe section; an interchangeable upper, or several interchangeable uppers, having loops for securing the upper to the loops of the sole of the footwear; such uppers and soles attached by specialized clips adapted to facilitate a wide variety of advantages.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper with openings arranged in an auxetic configuration. The upper includes at least two openings that differ in size. Regions of the upper with larger openings may expand more than regions of the upper with smaller openings.

Abstract: A multi-colored effect for a sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure comprises a sole member having a first color and an exterior layer having a second color that is different from the sole member. A plurality of slots are formed in the sole structure and the second color is visible on an outer surface of the sole structure through the plurality of slots.

Abstract: In described embodiments, the invention provides a foot pad having a generally planar substrate having a medial side and a lateral side and an upper surface extending between the medial side and the lateral side. A first toe loop extends upwardly from the medial side. The first toe loop has a first size. A second toe loop extends upwardly from the lateral side. The second toe loop has a second size, smaller than the first size. A third toe loop extends upwardly between the first toe loop and the second toe loop. The third toe loop is smaller than the first toe loop.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper forming a void within the footwear, a sole structure secured to the upper, and a chamber that encloses a pressurized fluid. The sole structure includes a depression. The chamber is located within the void of the upper and located on the depression of the sole structure. The chamber may include a plurality of fluid-filled subchambers, a manifold, and a connection fluidically-connected at least one of the subchambers to the manifold. The subchambers may enclose the pressurized fluid at different pressures. The subchambers may be separated from one another by a bonded area in the direction extending between the heel and toe of the chamber.

Abstract: A shoe apparatus can including a base component with a sole, a strap component having a strap and a center connector, and a cover component comprising a material positioned between the base component and the strap and attached to the perimeter edge of the sole. The material has an aperture for receiving the center connector and a first opening positioned above a rearfoot portion of said sole for receiving a person's foot. The center connector is positioned through said aperture and connected to said forefoot portion of the sole. The strap component forms a second opening between the cover component and the strap for receiving a person's foot.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate that includes a foot-facing surface with a forefoot portion, and a ground-facing surface opposite from the foot-receiving surface. A tension member is operatively secured to the ground-facing surface and has a portion configured to move relative to the sole plate during dorsiflexion of the sole structure in a first portion of a flexion range, and interfere with the sole plate during dorsiflexion of the sole structure in a second portion of the flexion range greater than the first portion altering the rate of the resultant torque.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate, a plurality of traction elements protruding from the sole plate, and a tension member extending through at least some of the plurality of traction elements. The tension member can move through at least some of the plurality of traction elements during dorsiflexion of the sole structure in a first flexion range. The tension member interferes with at least some of the plurality of traction elements during dorsiflexion of the sole structure in a second flexion range, which is greater than the first flexion range.

Abstract: A fitness apparatus for a shoe is disclosed. The shoe includes a top portion, a sole portion, and an interior portion. Additionally, the shoe includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and a plurality of lighting elements. The shoe further includes a power supply, a lighting power switch, a satellite antenna, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that cause the shoe to perform at least one of determining a distance travelled between a start position and an end position, determining calories burned during the distance travelled, activating the plurality of lighting elements in a lighting mode in response to a signal received from the lighting power switch, and sending fitness data indicative of the distance travelled, calories burned, or the lighting mode, when executed by the one or more processors.

Abstract: [Technical Problem] To provide a footwear sheet and a footwear that can increase the efficiency at which a user trains to be able to assume an ideal posture.

Abstract: A pressure point sleep garment (1) used to apply a constant concentrated pressure to a heel (4) of a wearer to induce sleep and alleviate insomnia wherein a projection (15) is pressed upward into the heel of the wearer via a sock (5) and/or one or more straps (17).

Abstract: Wrapped footwear includes a flip-flop which is wrapped in various ways with a strap. In one embodiment the strap is wrapped around both side members of the flip-flop. In another embodiment the strap is wrapped around the toe post and the side members of the flip-flop. And in another embodiment, multiple straps are wrapped around the toe post and the ankle of the wearer.

Abstract: A shoe that grows comprises a sole having a toe, medial side, lateral side, and heel. The toe of the sole extends outwardly to form a toe cap. A vamp member is adjustably connected to a free end of the toe cap. At least one medial strap connects the vamp member to the medial side of the sole. At least one lateral strap connects the vamp member to the lateral side of the sole. An adjustable heel strap connects to the medial and lateral sides of the sole and extends around the heel of the sole.

Abstract: A multi-layer magnetic device comprising two or more layers containing magnets or ferromagnetic material to be applied to areas of the body of a mammal in which the first layer has one or more protrusions and the second layer has one or more receiving zones that are positioned to align with the protrusions of the first layer. At least a portion of the first layer has a first magnetic pattern, and at least a portion of the second layer has a second magnetic pattern such that, when the protrusions are aligned with the receiving zones, at least one region of the first magnetic pattern faces at least one region of the second magnetic pattern of like polarity thereby repulsing one another.

Abstract: A shoe insert includes a generally planar body having a perimeter defining a foot-shaped area on an upper side of the body, the foot-shaped area including first and second toe areas and a heel area configured respectively for placement of a first toe, a second toe, and a heel of a user. The upper side defines a channel extending along an axis passing through a space between the first and second toe areas and the heel area. A linear member may be placed in the channel to protrude from an upper surface of the body. When a user uses the insert, the user's foot may sense the channel (or linear member, if present) and activate mechano-receptors on the bottom of the foot along the channel, which, in-turn, may train the foot to extend in a predetermined position relative to the linear member to improve balance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing footwear and an article of footwear having a tapered heel in part defining an impact point associated with a padded impact zone which first strikes a surface upon a foot plant and a plate embedded within a sole of the article such that the plate supports the heel of the sole from flexing or collapsing. The impact point is part of an impact area (F) positioned adjacent an ankle pivot axis of the wearer's ankle, and in one aspect is positioned at or slightly posterior the ankle pivot axis. In one aspect the method includes configuring a sole of the footwear based on an ankle pivot characteristic or balance pivot characteristic of a wearer in a custom manufacture or based on the same of a typical or an ordinary wearer in a non-custom manufacture.

Abstract: A footwear ornamentation assembly includes at least one insert and a plurality of design members that can be mounted on the insert or a flip-flop for decoration purposes. The at least one insert is releasably affixed on top of a flip-flop sole. The plurality of design members present different appearances. A method for decorating a flip-flop using the flip-flop ornamentation assembly includes selecting the at least one insert from a plurality of inserts, affixing the selected insert to a top of the flip-flop sole, selecting one or more design members from the plurality of design members, and mounting the selected one or more design members to the at least one of the selected insert and the flip-flop.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane or polyester film attached together to form an airtight seal. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air in the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The article of footwear may also include an assembly for connecting several tubes to one under foot inflation mechanism. The article of footwear may also include inflatable laces that are inflated by an underfoot inflation mechanism.

Abstract: The insole described within uses a multiplicity of nodules of varying diameters and heights to provide the requisite level of flexibility, support, and stimulation to the various regions of the foot. These advantages are created while maintaining a low thickness, thereby allowing the insole to fit within a shoe without creating discomfort. Gradients of pressure that generate variations in the laminar flow of the foot bed lead to better circulation and perfusion of the capillary foot bed of the foot transection irrigation, allowing for better circulation and venous return.

Abstract: The shoe herein, in the form of a sandal, uses a combination of a midsole of varying thickness and nodules of varying diameters and heights to provide the requisite level of flexibility, support, and stimulation to the various regions of the foot. The walking action of the user creates waves of pressure across the foot, enhanced by the nodules, thereby increasing blood flow. Gradients of pressure that generate variations in the laminar flow of the foot bed lead to better circulation and perfusion of the capillary foot bed of the foot transection irrigation, allowing for better circulation and venous return.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes at least a first outsole member and a second outsole member, and at least one flex member secured to the first outsole member and the second outsole member and having sufficient flexibility to permit the first outsole member to move relative to the second outsole member to expand the article of footwear from a first size to a second, larger size.

Abstract: Wearable items having wear-susceptible areas or indicia for influencing an emotional or psychological state, after a progressive amount of wear occurs on the area or indicia, are disclosed. The wearable item comprises a substrate that includes wear-susceptible areas, wear-susceptible indicia, and/or a combination of wear-susceptible areas and indicia. One or more wear-susceptible areas incorporate markings and/or indicia such as words, pictures, symbols, which progressively “wear away.” These phrases, symbols, and pictures can relate to emotional and/or psychological obstacles and impediments, which are adversarial in nature.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a textile upper and a split sole, the split sole having a forefoot portion and a heel portion separated by a gap under the instep portion of the article of footwear. An x-shaped bridge arches over the wearer's foot and connects the forefoot portion of the split sole to the heel portion of the split sole. The article of footwear is fabricated using injection molding to impregnate the fabric at the bottom of the textile upper and to form the split sole.

Abstract: A footwear article is provided herein. The footwear article may include a sole coupled to a cord structure. The cord structure may include interconnected bights in a vamp cord and a rand cord forming a loop line extending along at least a portion of the footwear article.

Abstract: A toe protection insert for an athletic shoe surrounds the big toe and laces up to protect the toe from injury. The laces of the insert are designed to pull through the shoelace holes of the athletic shoe, to enable the user to position the toe as desired and elevate the toe above the shoe sole of an athletic shoe. The insert may include only a toe sleeve which wraps around the hallux toe or may also provide an insert sole upon which the toe sleeve is attached.

Abstract: An invention pertaining to footwear is described, including a flexible protection plate, an insole, and a shoe with three forefoot pads and three toe compartments. The sections of the protection plate are hinged or separated to allow a greater degree of independent movement of the three main groups of muscles and bones in the forefoot in response to varying walking, hiking and running terrain. A separate insole is described that incorporates the forefoot protection plate and that can be inserted into and removed from footwear in order to provide additional protection as needed. A shoe including outersole, midsole and upper, are also described in which the forward portion is divided into three toe compartments that are configured to allow independent articulation of corresponding individual toes and/or pairs of toes inserted in the footwear.

Abstract: A footbed having a cork foot-contacting surface for use in footwear is provided. The foot-contacting surface includes portions that are altered in thickness in order to form a network of channels that cross the foot-contacting surface of the footbed. The channels facilitate dryness, reduced foot slippage within the footwear, and provide a comfortable fit.

Abstract: A golf sandal for providing comfort, stability, and superior traction. More specifically, a golf sandal having an outsole and midsole made of polyurethane, a gap between the outsole and the midsole, a strap having a central portion located in the gap between the outsole and midsole and ends that secure to each other, and a plurality of soft spikes on the bottom of the outsole, wherein each soft spike is the shape of a webbed foot. The soft spikes enable a wearer to have better traction compared to existing golf sandals.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, shoes and shoe components, together with systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing the same. One representative embodiment involves a shoe that includes: a sole having a main structure; a strap anchor that has attachment points and is at least partially embedded within the main structure; and a strap that is attached to and/or looped through one or more of such attachment points and that is configured for strapping the shoe to a wearer's foot. Also, in this embodiment, the strap anchor includes a number of strap anchor components attached in a unit, each such strap anchor component including a number of the attachment points and being at least partially embedded within the main structure.

Abstract: Flip flop sandals with a barrier around a perimeter of a sole. The barrier forms a continuous loop, thereby protecting the feet from wind and water in all directions. The flip flops comprise a medial strap, a lateral strap and a toe strap attached to the sole at locations interior to the barrier. The barrier protects the feet from water splashes, puddles, wet grass and wind. The barrier height can be in the range of 0.5-4 inches or 0.7-3 inches. Alternatively, the barrier height can be at least 40% or ½ a length of the toe strap. The barrier can be made of closed cell foam or plastic film. The attachment between the sole and barrier can be water tight.

Abstract: A footwear having traditional functionality utilizes uppers that substantially resemble and function as a bikini bra section and a bikini groin section, with each bikini section attachable to the footwear with various decorative fasteners, such as, bikini tie strings, toggles, and ornamental members. The front and rear uppers are substantially triangular and elastic, like a bikini. A sole has a front sole section and a rear sole section. The front upper has at least one front fastening member and at least one front decorative member. The rear upper has at least one rear fastening member and at least one rear decorative member. The rear upper is optional. The front and rear fastening members attach to their respective side of the soles and to each other. A front and rear reinforcing member at each respective upper maintains the uppers to the front and heel of the feet.

Abstract: An apparatus for sandals with interchangeable upper section consists of an upper portion, a sole, and a securing system. The upper portion is the only interchangeable component, and users can interchange different upper portions with one specific sole. The securing system consists of a plurality of male connectors and a plurality of female connectors. The plurality of male connectors is connected with the sole, and the plurality of female connectors is connected with the upper portion. The upper portion can be attached to the sole, when the plurality of female connectors is traversed into the plurality of male connectors. The apparatus for sandals with interchangeable upper section consists of many different colors and styles in order to complement a wide variety of customers.

Abstract: Footwear which can be modified and decorated by a wearer includes a sole through which a set of spaced-apart tunnels are formed which extend the full width of the sole. At least one strip of material is wound through the tunnels and along the opposite sides of the sole and the outer perimeter of the heel region to form loops extending between selected tunnel ends along the right and left sides of the sole and the outer perimeter of the heel region. Ribbons of different colors, shapes and fabrics can be attached to and between the loops enabling a wearer to modify the appearance of the footwear.

Abstract: A shoe in form of a slipper or sandal, includes a body 100 adapted to have a first fluid casing 12 and a second fluid casing 14, each having an elastic property, embedded in the front and rear portions of the body, respectively, and an instep strap 120 supported to the body in such a way as to be rotated in a specific section. A rotating shaft 16 is rotated in conjunction with the instep strap, and it includes a first connecting portion connected to the first fluid casing and a second connecting portion connected to the second fluid casing and an internal passage having respective check ball seating portions formed on the inside of the first and the second connecting portions, and with check ball received in the internal passage. When the rotating shaft is inclined by rotation of the rotating shaft, the check ball closely adheres to any one of the check ball seating portions by gravity or buoyancy and regulates a fluid flow to any one of the first and the second connecting portions.

Abstract: A shoe and method of manufacturing same, the shoe including: an upper configured to receive therein a foot of a wearer of the shoe, the upper comprising a closure and a tongue configured to cover a top portion of the foot; a front sole portion attached to a front portion of a bottom surface of the upper; a heel sole portion attached to a heel portion of the bottom surface of the upper; and a torsion control bridge connecting the front and heel sole portions, wherein a window is formed between the torsion control bridge and a portion of the bottom surface of the upper located between the front and heel sole portions.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper with openings arranged in an auxetic configuration. The upper includes at least two openings that differ in size. Regions of the upper with larger openings may expand more than regions of the upper with smaller openings.

Abstract: A sandal having two independent support straps that are joined over the metatarsal region of the foot and tensioned, over the top of the foot and around the ankle of the user, posterior to the connection point.

Abstract: A dual-density insole (or sock liner) for a shoe is disclosed. The insole includes a carrier with two cavities. Two inserts with a density or hardness level that is different from that of the carrier are positioned in the cavities for increased performance. The disclosed insole further exhibits a molded geometry marked with shaped protrusions.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a method of assembling the article of footwear are disclosed. The method includes folding the article of footwear from a flat configuration and attaching top and bottom lateral edges to form the article of footwear. A kit of parts containing an article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a set of instructions is also disclosed.

Abstract: In described embodiments, the invention provides a foot pad having a generally planar substrate having a medial side and a lateral side and an upper surface extending between the medial side and the lateral side. A first toe loop extends upwardly from the medial side. The first toe loop has a first size. A second toe loop extends upwardly from the lateral side. The second toe loop has a second size, smaller than the first size. A third toe loop extends upwardly between the first toe loop and the second toe loop. The third toe loop is smaller than the first toe loop.

Abstract: A sandal including a sole having a front region and a back region and an interior side and an exterior side, having a first opening in or near the back region at the interior side and a second opening in or near the back region at the exterior side. A primary strap is threaded through the first opening, then looped around the back region, and threaded through the second opening, thereby defining a heel region of the primary strap between the first opening and the second opening. The sandal further includes an adjustable securement strap that attaches on one side to the interior side of the heel region of the primary strap and on the other side to the exterior side of the heel region of the primary strap.

Abstract: A walking apparatus is provided that includes a sole having an adjustable length, the sole comprising a heel portion, a forefoot portion operatively coupled to the heel portion, the forefoot portion configured for adjustment from a first position to at least one other position relative to the heel portion, wherein a length of the sole is configured to adjust from a first length to a second length when the forefoot portion is adjusted from the first position to the at least one other position.

Abstract: Linked articles and a method for customizing the linked articles are disclosed. The linked articles comprise a first link matrix and a second link matrix comprising a first portion of the article and a second portion of the article, respectively. The first link matrix consists essentially of links of a first material and the second link matrix consists essentially of links of a second material.

Abstract: The shoe (10) includes a sole (11), in particular having an upper part (12) on which a user's foot is intended to rest. The sole (11) includes a rear support element (14) and a rear end (15) of the upper part (12), and a front support element (16) of a front end (17) of the upper part (12). The front (16) and rear (14) support elements delimit an open space (20) with the upper part (12), extending substantially over the entire length of the upper part (12).

Abstract: The sandal with pneumatic support includes an inflatable bladder in the sole, in the area immediately beneath the arch of the foot when the sandal is worn. A manual air pump is provided integrally with the sandal. In one embodiment, the pump is located atop the toe divider of a flip-flop type sandal. In another embodiment, the pump is located in the heel. A pressure relief valve is located along one of the upper straps of the sandal. The arch bladder, air pump, and relief valve communicate pneumatically with one another. The sandal may be devoid of structure extending between the toes when worn, but may include straps passing over and/or around the foot. Other embodiments provide additional air bladders in the straps to better secure the sandal on the foot. The sandal provides greatly improved support and reduces or eliminates muscular problems resulting from the lack of arch support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (1), especially to a sports shoe, having a shoe upper (2) and a sole (3) which is connected with the shoe upper (2), wherein the sole (3) has a longitudinal axis (L) and has a forefoot region (4), a midfoot region (5) and a rearfoot region (6).

Abstract: An interchangeable bootie system includes an article of footwear and a plurality of interchangeable booties. Each bootie includes a support system configured to provide targeted support to different regions of the foot. This allows a user to select a bootie that provides the desired type of support for an athletic activity. An interchangeable bootie system with midsole portions having different types of cushioning systems is also disclosed. This allows a user to select a bootie with the desired type of support and the desired type of cushioning for an athletic activity. An interchangeable bootie and midsole insert system is also disclosed. Each midsole insert fits inside a bootie and includes a cushioning system configured to provide targeted cushioning to different regions of the foot. This allows a user to select a desired type of cushioning for an athletic activity.